Nigeria’s Akintoye Retains Africa Zone 4.2 Chess Crown

Nigeria’s FIDE Master (FM) Abdulraheem Abdulrahman Akintoye has successfully defended his Africa Zone 4.2 Chess Championships title, emerging victorious at the 2025 edition held in Lagos.

The competition, which ran from April 1st to 8th at the Citiheight Hotel, saw Akintoye navigate a challenging field to secure his second consecutive championship.

Akintoye, who first claimed the coveted crown in Liberia last year, showcased his strategic prowess throughout the nine-round tournament.

He began his campaign with a decisive win against Marc Arnold Amako of Côte d’Ivoire, setting the stage for an impressive run.

The Nigerian FM continued his winning streak with a victory over compatriot Tennyson Ewomazino Olisa before encountering his first hurdle in the form of FM Denyefa Callistus Eyetonghan, resulting in the first of three draws for the eventual champion.

Akintoye then demonstrated his mettle against the tournament’s strong contingent of International Masters (IM). He overcame both Odion Aikhoje and Oluwafemi Daniel Balogun, adding crucial points to his tally.

A highly anticipated match against IM Mariano Ortega Amarelle from Cabo Verde also took place, ending in a draw, a testament to the competitive spirit between the two top players.

The 32-year-old Akintoye faced a spirited challenge from 18-year-old Tersee Ferdinand Nyuima, which resulted in his final draw of the competition. However, he finished strongly, securing his final two victories against Toluwanimi Okemakinde and Obioma Onuoha.

Ultimately, Akintoye’s consistent performance earned him an impressive 7.5 points out of a possible nine, placing him at the top of the leaderboard. Olisa finished a close second with 7 points, while IM Mariano secured third place with 6.5 points.

Akintoye’s successful title defence solidifies his position as a leading figure in African chess and marks another significant achievement for Nigerian chess on the international stage.

His unbeaten run and strategic victories throughout the tournament captivated fans and fellow players alike, making his triumph a memorable moment in the Africa Zone 4.2 Chess Championships.